Broken Records | Tayley

Chapter 31: Surprise!

Hayley's POV

The room explodes with cheers as our friends jump out from their hiding spots, their voices harmonizing in a loud, joyful chorus of "Happy Birthday!" The energy is infectious, filling the air with an overwhelming sense of love and celebration. Taylor freezes in the doorway, his eyes wide with shock, his breath caught in his throat as he tries to take it all in. The living room is packed with people—our closest friends, bandmates, and even some family members. There are colorful streamers hanging from the ceiling, balloons bobbing above the crowd, and a huge banner that reads "Happy Birthday, Taylor!" in glittering, hand-painted letters that I spent hours perfecting. The space is alive with warmth, laughter, and the unmistakable sound of Zac's booming voice as he hollers out his usual teasing banter.

"Happy Birthday!" I shout, my own laughter bubbling up as I watch Taylor's face transition from utter bewilderment to pure joy. He turns to me, his expression filled with disbelief, his eyes shining as if he can't quite process that all of this is for him.

"You did all this?" he asks, his voice almost a whisper, filled with a mixture of awe and gratitude.

I nod, grinning from ear to ear. "Of course I did. You deserve to be celebrated on your special day!"

His eyes well up slightly, but he quickly blinks back the emotion, a wide smile breaking across his whole face. Before he can say anything more, Justin bounds up to him, clapping him on the back so hard it almost knocks him over.

"You're catching up to me, old man!" he teases, his grin wide and mischievous.

Taylor laughs, shaking his head as he regains his balance. "Never gonna happen," he shoots back, though his voice is light.

As the party kicks into full swing, I find myself watching from the sidelines for a moment, taking it all in. Taylor moves through the room with a lightness in his step, a relaxed grace that speaks to how far he's come. He's chatting with friends, accepting gifts with genuine surprise and gratitude, and just enjoying himself in a way that makes me smile from the inside out. There's a glow about him tonight, a joy that radiates from him and fills the entire room. Seeing him like this—so free, so happy—makes every effort I put into planning this night worth it.

Zac catches my eye from across the room, and for a brief moment, we share a knowing look. It's a silent acknowledgment of the journey Taylor and I have been on, the ups and downs we've navigated together. Zac has been there through it all—our biggest supporter, our steady rock—and I know he's just as happy as I am to see Taylor so content, so at peace with himself.

As I move through the room, chatting with friends and stealing glances at Taylor, I feel a deep sense of contentment settling over me. This is what happiness looks like, I realize—being surrounded by people who love and support you, sharing in each other's joys and milestones. It's not about the flashy moments or the big achievements, but the simple, quiet ones where everything just feels right.

The hours fly by in a blur of laughter, music, and heartfelt conversations. At one point, someone breaks out a guitar, and before I know it, there's an impromptu jam session happening in the corner of the room. Taylor, of course, is in the thick of it, his fingers dancing over the strings with that effortless skill that never fails to amaze me. The sound fills the room, blending with the laughter and chatter, creating a warm, vibrant atmosphere that feels almost magical.

People start to trickle out as the night wears on, each one stopping to give Taylor a hug or a clap on the back, sharing a few last words before heading out into the cool night. The house is quieter now, the music softer, but the warmth remains, lingering in the air like a comforting blanket. I watch as Taylor says his goodbyes, his eyes still sparkling with the afterglow of the evening. He's glowing—truly glowing—and I can't help but feel a swell of pride and love as I watch him.